How to Make the Turbo StratoCruiser Paper Airplane

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Fast, long range and stable, the Turbo StratoCruiser is an advanced drone cruiser developed from the StratoCruiser paper airplane. The Turbo StratoCruiser is designed to succeed the latter and features a three surface configuration which endows it with improved handling and stability over its basis.

Development of the Turbo StratoCruiser was begun in February 2014 as a replacement for the original StratoCruiser and the Turbo AeroCruiser. Early in development, I decided the best configuration for the new aircraft to feature would be one featuring three surfaces. Combined with LERX, this layout promised aerodynamic cleanliness and stability. The addition of the canards also solved the pitch down tendencies of the original StratoCruiser. This also eliminated the need for the straight leading edge of the Turbo AeroCruiser's wing, which was also an effective--though rather unsightly--solution to this problem. Coupled with the T-tail, initial prototypes flew well and proved very stable and quick. After completing flight testing, the Turbo StratoCruiser was earmarked an instructable slot for publication.

TAA USAF Designation: D336-1

Step 1: Materials

Step 2: Begin Construction

First, begin by folding your your graph paper in half (excluding three boxes on the perforated side). Once the paper has been folded appropriately, make two marks--9 full boxes apart (allow for a further box back behind the airframe). Use a ruler to make a straight line with the length of 10 boxes directly up 1 row of boxes from the two marks you just made. Then make the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, spars, counterweight and canards as shown. Follow the photograph markings.

After the fuselage is made, take another sheet of paper that is folded in half along the lines of boxes. Mark out the wing as shown (1 box of constant chord at the root; a leading edge sweep of 1 box of chord decaying every 4 boxes outward from the constant chord box; and a trailing edge sweep of 1 box of decay along the 5 boxes of wingspan). This will complete the wings.

Solid lines indicate places to cut. Dotted lines indicate fold lines.

Note: 1 box = 0.25 inches

Step 3: Making the Fuselage

Cut out your fuselage and fold the counterweight into the fuselage. When doing so, be sure to allow the canards to be folded outward as shown. Fold down the horizontal stabilizers, landing gears and spars. Once this is done, unfold down the stabilizers, skids and spars. Then apply tape where designated.

Step 4: Applying the Wings; Stapling

Cut out and unfold your Turbo StratoCruiser's wings. Once this is done, align the airframe with the wing and secure the wings to the spars with tape. Apply tape to the leading edge of the wing at its intersection with the LERX and apply one staple in the area of the counterweight folds on each side. This will complete your aircraft.

Step 5: Flight

The Turbo StratoCruiser is fast paper airplane and so launches are more similar to those of drone fighters. Launches should be at neutral attitudes at medium to high speed. Launches can be done at a positive attitude, but launch speed should be increased (range may be reduced) Elevator and canard trim may need adjustment, so test flights are highly recommended. Additional applicable surfaces include slats, flaps, flaperons, elevators, ailerons, spoilers, spoilerons, air brakes and a trimmable rudder. Enjoy!